Hike Table Mountain-

Hike Table Mountain-

Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world and I would like to share spectacular beauty and rich history with you. I know the mountain trails, the best spots for photographs,birds, Fynbos and breathtaking views. My goal is to provide you with a safe and enjoyable experience. I can take you on day tours on and off the mountains. My itineraries are flexible and various options are available that I would gladly advise you on.

Please note: I do not offer Rock climbing or abseiling.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Lion's Head, Signal Hill Road, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa

Lion's Head Route. When you face Table Mountain, Lions Head is the small peak on the right, one of the most climbed peaks in the world. Start at 290m (951ft) and the highest point reached: 669m (2195ft) above sea level – distance approx. 2.3km (1.43miles). The route starts on a steep gravel service road that changes into a mountain path after about 20min walk. The spiral path winds its way around the "Lions Head” gaining height at a gentle pace. At the rock face chain handrails, metal handles and ladders are in place to assist on steep sections.
At one point there is an alternate route for the not so adventurous. Breathtaking 360° view from the summit and stunning photo opportunities. Return via the same route. Moderate easy with exposed summit ridge scramble.


Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Table Mountain National Park 8001 South Africa

Kasteelspoort Route: This hiking route starts above Camps Bay and is approx. 5 hours. We start off with a view of the Twelve Apostles Range ahead with magnificent crags, ridges and ravines. The path climbs steadily upwards and is not very strenuous. There are some easy ledges to navigate along the way. Half way up at Breakfast rock (517m/1696ft) we take a snack break and enjoy the view over Camps Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and Lion’s Head. At the top at (742m/2434ft) we visit the old cable station site (1893) and there is a photo opportunity on the “Diving Board Rock”
We then traverse via St Michael Peak (900m/2953ft) with views over the ‘Back Table’ and the two drinking-water dams, False Bay, Hout Bay. After we have explored the Western Table to the Upper Cable Station, we take the cable car down. If the cable car is not in operation due to strong wind or poor weather, we walk down the Platteklip Gorge Route and it will take appox 1.5 - 2 hours to walk down.


Duration: 5 hours

Stop At: Skeleton Gorge, Wynberg 7800 South Africa

This route is on the eastern side of Table Mountain. We start of with a 40min walk through part of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens including the Boomslang Treetop walk. Then we walk to the top contour path and ascends Skeleton Gorge with well-maintained path following the left side of the stream and is in shade nearly all the way to the top. At about halfway up (40min) there are a series of 6 short wooden ladders. For a short distance, the path is in the streambed that requires scrambling over rocks and boulders, (this section can be very wet and slippery in winter and shoes with non-slip soles are essential) The path crosses over to the right side of the gorge and continues upwards with lush ferns surrounding the path. For the first time you emerge above the tree-line and you are able to look down to the starting point in Kirstenbosch. Soon after a huge boulder called Breakfast Rock. The path then opens up offering expansive views of Cape Town’s southern suburbs and False Bay in the distance. A steady climb up the ‘back table’ to Maclear’s Beacon, (highest point on Table Mountain 1085m/ 3560ft) and then descend via the Cableway or hike Platteklip Gorge.
Start at 180m / 591ft to highest point 1085m/ 3560ft = total climb of 905m/2969ft. Distance: approx. 6 – 7 km (4miles); Between 5 – 6 hours depending on route combination, weather, and fitness level.


Duration: 6 hours

Stop At: Platteklip Gorge, Table Mountain National Park, Tafelberg Rd, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, Table Mountain National Park 8001 South Africa

Platteklip Gorge route is the most direct and popular route up Table Mountain, starting off with a series of rocky steps next to a watercourse to the contour path. From here the gorge is rocky with steep steps (more than 800) that are high and uneven in places and no water or shady trees along the way. The best option is to take the cable car down as the hike down is significantly harder which some people underestimate (time 1.5 -2 hours down). The Cable Car takes 4 min down, but please keep in mind that the cable car doesn’t operate in high wind and adverse weather. This route has caught many a casual hiker (without a guide) unawares due to inappropriate footwear, lack of water and sudden changes in weather. In summer a very early start is very important to avoid the intense heat and lack of shade up the gorge. The hike is physically demanding and rated as moderate to tough, depending on your fitness and the weather. Start: 400m (1312ft) - highest point reached: 1025m (3363ft) above sea level. Distance approx. 3km (1.86miles) Time to the top 1.5hr – 3 hours depending on your fitness level.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Table Mountain National Park 8001 South Africa

Not fit enough or recovering from and injury then this option is for you. Take the cable car to the summit and traverse the Table Top to its highest point at Maclears Beacon en-route your accredited guide will point out places of interest and surrounding mountain peaks, the fynbos and birdlife, and give opportunities for photographs at the most scenic places and fill you in on the history. We walk back with a circular route and go down with the cable car. You will be able to say “you've stood at the highest point on Table Mountain, one of the 7 Natural wonders of the world and one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites”.
Upper cable Station (1067m /3500ft) to Maclear’s Beacon (1086m/ 3563ft). Distance 5.5km (3miles) 2 – 2.5 hours walking time plus time to take photos and enjoy the views.


Duration: 2 hours